Road Construction IndustryConsortium Awareness Program

Runovers:Operators/Drivers

What Should We KnowAbout Spotters?

Spotters are recommended by NIOSH,ANSI, and other experts.

Spotters:

• Are required by some states when cameras/radar systems are not used.

• Can also be in danger — who spotsthe spotters?

• Can help protect workers with theirbacks to equipment or traffic.

If you lose visual contact with spotter, stop until you reconnect.

Are Runovers andBackovers a Problem?Runovers and backovers are the maincause of road worker deaths. Facts:

• In recent years, about two-thirds ofroad worker deaths were due torunovers/backovers.

• More than half are by construction vehicles and equipment — especiallydump trucks.

Look out for each other, warn coworkers!

©2011 Laborers Health & Safety Fund of North America, Washington, DCAll rights reserved. This material was produced under grant number 46C3-HT06 from the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration and is based upon work supported by the Federal Highway Administrationunder grant agreement DTFH61-06-G-00007. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendationsexpressed in this publication are those of the Author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policiesof the U.S. Department of Labor or the Federal Highway Administration. No statement made in this bookletshould be construed to convey an impression that any member of the consortium, its affiliates, or employeeshave assumed any part of the employer’s exclusive legal responsibility for providing a “safe and healthfulworkplace” as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Nor does mention of trade names,commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Produced for the con-sortium by FOF Communications.

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RUNOVERS/

BACKOVERS

OTHERCAUSES

What Prevention Devices Can We Use?Alarms, cameras, radar systems, and mir-rors can be used.

Back-up alarms:

• Make sure alarm is working.

• Alarms with broadband white noisemake it easier to distinguish/locate.

Alarms were inoperable in 28% of fatalities.

Video cameras:

• Properly mountedcameras eliminate ‘blindspots’ in rear view mirrors.

• Best system pairscamera with sensor to tell driver to look at screen.

Radar systems:

• Warn drivers as vehicle nears an object.

Mirrors:

• Not high-tech — must be working,clean, properly adjusted.

• May still be blind spots.

What Are Basic Backing Rules?Avoid backing unless it is absolutely necessary.

Backing rules:

• Never back up unless you are certainno workers on foot are behind — getout of cab to check if necessary.

• If no spotter is assigned, ask someoneto spot for you.

• If you see a worker in the mirror, stopuntil you are certain the worker is in asafe position.

• Never assume a worker will walk safelybehind the vehicle — don’t continuebacking until you know worker is safelyin the clear.

How Do We LearnAbout the ITCP?Get a copy of the Internal Traffic Control

Plan from the site safety officer or foreman.

Review ITCP:

• Note where workers on foot will work.

• Set up forms of communication withworkers on foot.

• Ensure worker and equipment areas are marked.

• Talk with other operators and driversto confirm their understanding of theITCP (Internal Traffic Control Plan).

An Internal Traffic Control Plan coordinates the flow of equipment and workers.

Project NameProject Location

Date

F Flagger

+ Other Type of Worker

I Inspector

D Spotter

Channelizing Device

Traffic Dire

Existing PavementNew Pavementhibited for Workers on Foot

Dump Truck (Empty)

Dump Truck (Full)

Dozer

Back Hoe

r

Water Truck

ving Machine

Bottom Dump (Empty)

Bottom Dump (Full)

Truck Movement

S Surveyo

Barrier

A Foreman

P Worker

WATER

A P

P PD

I +

SAMPLE INTERNAL TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN